Flooded Gum
Scientific name: Eucalyptus grandis
Overview
Flooded Gum is a fast-growing Australian hardwood native to the eastern coastal regions of Australia, particularly Queensland and New South Wales. It is one of the tallest eucalyptus species and has become an important plantation timber due to its rapid growth and reliable wood quality.
The wood is generally light-colored with a straight grain and medium texture. Because of its strength and availability, Flooded Gum is widely used in construction, flooring, and furniture manufacturing. Plantation-grown material is now produced not only in Australia but also in parts of Africa and South America, making it an important commercial timber species.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Flooded Gum
- Scientific Name: Eucalyptus grandis
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Eastern Australia)
- Tree Size: 150–200 ft tall, 4–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 40 lbs/ft³ (640 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,125 lbf
- Color: Pale pink to light reddish brown
- Grain: Straight, sometimes slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Flooded Gum typically displays a pale pink to light reddish-brown heartwood that may darken slightly with age. The grain is usually straight but may occasionally be interlocked, creating subtle ribbon patterns on quartersawn surfaces. The texture is medium and the wood often has a natural luster.
Key identification traits include:
- Light pink to reddish-brown heartwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Subtle ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces
Working Properties
Flooded Gum is considered moderately easy to work, though its density and occasional interlocked grain can cause minor tear-out when machining. When properly dried, it is stable and takes finishes well.
- Machines well with sharp tools
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out in some boards
- Gluing and finishing properties are good
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Moderate dimensional stability once dried
Safety Note
Flooded Gum dust may cause irritation in some individuals, which is common with many eucalyptus species. Proper dust extraction and personal protective equipment are recommended when working with the wood.
Common Uses
Flooded Gum is widely used in construction and flooring due to its strength, durability, and availability from plantation forests.
- Structural timber
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Plywood
- Interior trim
Sustainability & Notes
Flooded Gum is widely planted and managed in commercial forestry operations throughout Australia and other regions. Because of its rapid growth and adaptability, it has become one of the most important plantation hardwood species used for both domestic and export timber markets.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Spotted Gum – Typically darker and denser with more distinctive figure.
River Red Gum – Another eucalyptus species known for its deeper red coloration and heavier density.
Sydney Blue Gum – Similar in color and grain but typically slightly heavier and stronger.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Flooded Gum’s generally straight grain and occasional ribbon figure make it a useful example when studying eucalyptus hardwood structure.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Proper drying is important for eucalyptus species like Flooded Gum to reduce internal stress and movement.
Wood Strength
Learn what determines wood strength, including density, stiffness, and resistance to bending and impact.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Flooded Gum samples often display a subtle pinkish tone and straight grain that distinguishes them from darker eucalyptus species. While it may not be as visually dramatic as some exotic hardwoods, collectors often include it as an important representative of the eucalyptus timber group.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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